1842 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Small Date, Rev of 1842
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$25,850 MS65+ 02-01-2015 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1842 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Small Date, Rev of 1842 is a half dollar produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 2.0 million examples, making this ranked 3rd of 5 mint variants by mintage, with 29% of production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $105 to $4.7K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.36 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6240.
